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Ronaldo: 'I'm here to stay'

Real Madrid talisman pledges his allegiance to Real and rates the Primera Division as the best in the world.

29 Dec 2011 20:47 GMT

No plans to move: Ronaldo is staying put at Real [AFP]

Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo has said he plans to stay at Real Madrid, just days after the club's coach Jose Mourinho announced he would like eventually to return to the English Premier League.

"I'm happy at Real Madrid. I want to remain at the club in the future. I'm enjoying myself and I want to continue having fun at Real Madrid," he told reporters at a sports conference in Dubai according to the club's website.

"The Spanish league is the best in the world because it allows every player to showcase his quality and skills," the 26-year-old added when asked about Mourinho's comments.

The former Chelsea coach, whose four-year contract with Real runs to the end of the 2013-14 season, told the BBC on Monday that his "next step" will be to go back to England and "if possible, go and stay for a long time."

The 48-year-old has long stated his love of the English game and many observers feel he will ultimately be headhunted to replace Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United after the latter eventually retires.

Ronaldo joined Real from Manchester United in July 2009 on a six-year contract for a fee of around $122m, making him the world's most expensive player.

Madrid are currently top of the Spanish league with 40 points, three more than nearest rivals Barcelona.